Lucknow — In a significant push to strengthen infrastructure, industry, and governance in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presided over a high-level Cabinet meeting on Thursday. A series of major decisions were announced, covering expressway development, industrial townships, textile procurement, employment generation, and institutional reforms.
Greenfield Link Expressway to Connect Agra-Lucknow and Purvanchal Corridors
The Cabinet approved the construction of a controlled-access Greenfield Link Expressway connecting Agra-Lucknow Expressway (at Bhalia village) to Purvanchal Expressway (at Pahansa village). With an estimated cost of Rs 4,775.84 crore, the 49.96-km expressway will be built in 6-lane format (expandable to 8 lanes) on EPC mode. It will include:
- 2 major bridges, 20 minor bridges, 60 box culverts, 21 LVUPs, 16 SVUPs, 8 VUPs, 2 ROBs, 6 flyovers, and 5 interchanges.
- Service roads on both sides, advanced traffic management system, rainwater harvesting, and median plantation.
- The project aims to create seamless connectivity between major urban centres like Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ghazipur—contributing to an emerging expressway grid across Uttar Pradesh.
Bundelkhand Industrial Township Plan Approved
The Cabinet approved the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority Area Regulations, 2025, aimed at developing a planned industrial township modeled after NOIDA. The regulation ensures:
- Controlled urban expansion,
- Sustainable building design,
- Adequate civic amenities and green cover,
- Growth in industrial activities and employment.
The regulation was formulated under the UP Industrial Area Development Act, 1976, and will be implemented by the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BiDA).
Mandatory Government Textile Procurement Extended Till 2028
To boost the handloom and handicraft sectors, the Cabinet extended the mandatory procurement of textiles produced by UP Handloom Corporation, Khadi & Village Industries Board, Gandhi Ashram, and others until March 31, 2028. The policy, in place since 1998, ensures:
- Sustained income for weavers and artisans,
- Economic upliftment of rural textile units,
- Continued support via GeM portal and up to 10% direct procurement for select items.
Direct Hiring of Ex-Servicemen and Home Guards Restored
The Cabinet allowed direct hiring of ex-servicemen and home guards through the UP Ex-Servicemen Welfare Corporation, bypassing the GeM portal, to resolve operational issues. Government entities can now:
- Engage trained personnel directly,
- Pay a maximum 5% service charge,
- Avoid regulatory barriers like PSARA licensing for the Corporation.
NSG Hub to be Established in Ayodhya
In a significant security move, 8 acres of land were approved for free lease allocation to the Ministry of Home Affairs for establishing an NSG hub in Ayodhya. The land, located in the cantonment area, will be leased for 99 years with specific terms to bolster security at sensitive religious and strategic sites.
JP International Center Handed Over to LDA
The Jayaprakash Narayan International Center in Lucknow will now be operated and maintained by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). The Cabinet dissolved the previous governing society and authorized LDA to:
- Operate the Rs 500 crore property,
- Finalize operations via PPP mode,
- Include public facilities like a world-class auditorium, sports complex, and 750-car parking.
CDAC to Upgrade State’s Financial Management System
The Cabinet has approved Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) as the nodal agency for upgrading the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) of the state. The new system will enable:
- Real-time online budget submissions,
- MIS-based dashboard for decision-makers,
- Vendor management and e-claims tracking.
UP Rozgar Mission to be Launched
To bridge the employment gap, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Uttar Pradesh Rozgar Mission, which will:
- Create job opportunities within India and abroad,
- Conduct language training and pre-departure orientation,
- Run skill-gap surveys and placement drives.
The mission will operate as a registered society under five-tier governance including a State Executive Committee and District Units.
KN Modi University Gets Formal Approval
The Cabinet approved the Dr. KN Modi University in Modinagar, Ghaziabad under the UP Private Universities Act (Second Amendment), 2025. The sponsoring body has fulfilled all statutory requirements, and the bill will be introduced in the state legislature.
Motor Vehicle Tax Policy Overhauled
To enhance revenue and streamline collections, the Cabinet approved the UP Motor Vehicle Taxation (Amendment) Bill 2025, proposing:
- Transition to one-time tax for transport vehicles (two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cabs, goods carriers),
- Removal of monthly/quarterly/annual payment system,
- Adjustments in light of tax exemptions for electric vehicles.
Retirement Age Increased for UP Bhasha Sansthan Staff
In line with other autonomous institutions, the Cabinet raised the retirement age of UP Bhasha Sansthan employees from 58 to 60 years. The decision follows due administrative and financial procedures.
These wide-ranging policy decisions underscore the Yogi Adityanath government’s strategic focus on infrastructure modernization, employment generation, rural-industrial synergy, and better governance in Uttar Pradesh.
